Analytical Sciences

Sensitive and Selective Analysis of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins/Dibenzofurans and Their Precursors by Supersonic Jet/Resonance-Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Tomohiro UCHIMURA

Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Department of Translational Research, Center of Future Chemistry, Kyushu University, 744, Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), some of which are extremely toxic, are present at low concentrations in incinerator flue gases. The on-line real-time measurement of these compounds is necessary, since these concentrations fluctuate drastically with the process conditions used. Supersonic jet/resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SSJ/REMPI/TOF-MS), which provides both high selectivity and sensitivity, appears suitable for application to the on-line real-time monitoring of PCDD/Fs. In this review, the resonant ionization wavelengths of PCDD/Fs and their precursors are given. Moreover, improvements in SSJ/REMPI/TOF-MS that lead to enhanced sensitivity and selectivity are presented. That is, novel ionization sources and advanced ionization schemes are reported for the sensitive measurement of PCDD/Fs and their precursors. Those techniques are advantageous for the trace analysis of these compounds.

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